Enter Shikari - A Flash Flood of Colour

It was inevitable. You could sense it when Enter Shikari released a couple new songs that their new material was going to truly divide people. And after my first full listen of their new album, there was no doubt in my mind that A Flash Flood of Colour will be one of the most polarizing albums - both musically and lyrically - to release in 2012. Sure, they've always had that sort of aura to them, but with their third full length being their first release for Hopeless Records, this is an album that will be recognized by more listeners than every before, thus inciting a bigger reaction. It also doesn't hurt that, somewhere between their 2007 debut and now, dance/electronica/dubstep/etc. caught fire in America.

But instead of caring about how “edgy” their half-shaved mullet haircut looks, the English quartet is more concerned about raising awareness for numerous socio-political and environmental topics. The metaphor-heavy battle cry of intro track “System...” rises perfectly into the chaotic nature of “...Meltdown,” as the loaded artillery of an electronic-tinged breakdown will get you two-stepping instantaneously. Front man Rou Reynolds screams, “this is such exciting times to be alive” and urges listeners to unite together to force change. He bitingly reminds us that “you can grow but remember/empires always fall” on industrial powerhouse “Hello Tyrannosaurus, Meet Tyrannicide.” He also delivers sharp messages regarding global warming (the wobbly and brutal “Arguing With Thermometers”) and war profiteering (the powerful “Stalemate). Things get crazy (and extremely fun) during the unruly “Gandhi Mate, Gandhi,” which features punishing drum fills, drops, a laser show, and irate rants against a broken political system.

And just like Reynolds' lyrics, the musicianship throughout A Flash Flood of Colour pulls no punches as well. Drummer Rob Rolfe's aggressive work behind the kit paces “Warm Smiles Do Not Make You Welcome Here,” while the thrashy buoyancy (thanks to guitarist Rory Clewlow's frenetic riffs) of “Sssnakepit” shapes it into a killer anthem. “Search Party” shows Shikari's knack for creating melodic, catchy numbers, while the hyperactivity behind “Pack of Thieves” sets the tone for Reynolds' urgent yells.

You could argue that Enter Shikari is one of the few unique bands left in the scene. Prior to this release, they've had a somewhat up and down career, but with their third album it seems that the boys from St Albans, Hertfordshire have found their voice. A Flash Flood of Colour is daring, thought provoking, and utterly unpredictable, making it the first bold record of 2012 and Enter Shikari's defining moment. The quartet has a much bigger goal than just getting kids to dance to their breakdowns, rather they focus on putting a lot of substance into each track, hoping to inspire this generation to take a stand and make change amongst the broken systems throughout the world.

I really like this record, each track contains so much instumental and lyrical. You also hear that Reynolds really figured out his voice and the message he and the band wants to carry out. Can't wait to see them live, cause they're shows are even better.

You are certainly correct about this album being polarizing. Some could read that as a knock against ES, but I conisider the album's polarizing effect refreshing. This cookie-cutter scene could use a little anarchy once in a blue moon. Although certainly not perfect (for one, the songs tend to blend together and are a little formulaic) ES prove that a little mayhem every once in a while keeps people on their toes.

You are certainly correct about this album being polarizing. Some could read that as a knock against ES, but I conisider the album's polarizing effect refreshing. This cookie-cutter scene could use a little anarchy once in a blue moon. Although certainly not perfect (for one, the songs tend to blend together and are a little formulaic) ES prove that a little mayhem every once in a while keeps people on their toes.